FLIRVUE™ PRO

Introducing FLIR Vue™ Pro

Take drone thermal imaging and data recording to the new heights with Vue Pro

With FLIR Vue™ you get all the thermal imager you need for sUAS operations without having to pay for functionality you'll never use.

Designed for professional use, FLIR Vue Pro is more than a thermal camera, it is a thermal measurement instrument and data recorder that adds tremendous value to your sUAS operations and services.

Still with the same industry-leading thermal imaging quality and great value as the best-selling FLIR Vue, the Vue Pro adds full data recording of thermal video and 14-bit still imagery. FLIR Vue Pro also uses FLIR Vue's popular and convenient power-in/video-out connection over a 10-pin mini-USB making integration a snap, and ensuring that you'll have easy access to analog video for downlinking.

FLIR Vue Pro gives you in-flight control of two camera functions through direct PWM connections, and it's future MAVLink compatibility will make it ready for the easy image stitching required for mapping, survey, and precision agriculture applications. Plus, it's compatible with Pix4Dmapper right out of the box.

The convenient mobile app makes pre-flight camera set-up and configuration quick and easy so you won't have to drag a computer out to your flying site just in case you need to change a camera setting.

Best of all, with MSRPs starting at only $1,999, FLIR Vue Pro is the only thermal imager your drone operations will ever need, and it's affordable for today's commercial sUAS operations.

FLIR Vue Pro gives you more than thermal images, it gives you thermal data for informed decisions.

On-Board Recording

Vue Pro records 8-bit digital video in MJPEG or H.264 formats and 14-bit still imagery to a removable micro-SD card so you won’t lose any of your data to transmission loss. Imagery is saved to the micro-SD card and can be retrieved either from the card or by plugging the camera into a USB cable, where your computer will see it as a storage device.

MAVLink Integration & Camera Control

Like Vue Pro, Vue Pro R’s Accessory Port connection gives you access to MAVLink commands camera controls over PWM commands, so you can select color palettes, start and stop recording, or trigger the camera's e-zoom in-flight from your radio controller. If MAVLink is enabled, two camera controls are available; without MAVLink you can control up to four camera controls.

Easy to Configure

Vue Pro comes with a built-in, low-power Bluetooth module, so you can easily configure your camera with our custom iOS or Android apps before you take off. Change color palettes, set your image optimization features, configure your PWM inputs, and start recording all without lugging a computer to the field.

Power & HDMI Video Module

An optional accessory, the Power/Video Module makes Vue Pro R easier to integrate than ever. Its 10-pin mini-USB connector accepts a much wider span of input power – from 5 to 28 VDC – and provides reverse polarity protection. This connector still provides analog video output and gives you access to the camera’s on-board storage like any other USB device.

Its micro-HDMI connector outputs HDMI video that is compatible with digital drone airborne systems like DJI Lightbridge and 3DR Solo, making full digital downlink of thermal video a breeze. All this in a package that’s only 11 mm thick and weighs 15 grams.

The Power & HDMI Video Module is an accessory and is sold separately.

Applications

With the same powerful thermal imaging core used in the most popular cameras in the world, FLIR Vue Pro gives expanded flexibility and performance for a price that makes it perfect for applications like:

Two M2x0.4 on each of two sides & bottom
One 1/4-20 threaded hole on top

Image Processing & Display Controls

Image Optimization for sUAS

Yes

Scene Presets & Image Processing?

Yes - Adjustable in App

Invertable Image?

Yes - Adjustable in App

Color Palettes

Yes - Adjustable in App and via PWM

Zoom

Yes - Adjustable in App and via PWM

Power

Input Voltage

4.8 - 6.0 VDC

Power Dissipation (peak)

2.1 W (3.9 W)

Environmental

Operating Temperature Range

-20°C to +50°C

Non-Operating Temperature Range

-55°C to +95°C

Operational Altitude

+40,000 feet

Power & HDMI Video Module (Optional Accessory)

Input Power Range

5 VDC - 28 VDC

Reverse Polarity Protection?

Yes

Analog Video Output

Yes

HDMI Output

1280x720 @ 50 Hz, 60 Hz

* Because the analog video output resolutions (640 × 480 and 320 × 240, respectively) are less than the full sensor resolution captured when saving digital stills and video, their resultant fields of view are slightly smaller as well. Both sets of values are shown here to allow operators the option of choosing the FOVs that most accurately reflect their pre-flight planning requirements.

Wide Field of View (WFOV) Models

6.8 mm

9 mm

13 mm

19 mm

Vue Pro 640

FoV (NTSC)

N/A

69° x 53°

45° x 35°

32° x 24°

FoV (PAL)

69° x 56°

45° x 37°

32° x 26°

(17μ 640x512)

iFoV

1.889 mr

1.308 mr

0.895 mr

Vue Pro 336

FoV (NTSC)

44° x 33°

35° x 26°

25° x 18°

N/A

FoV (PAL)

44° x 36°

35° x 27°

25° x 19°

(17μ 336x256)

iFoV

2.500 mr

1.889 mr

1.308 mr

Hyperfocal Distance

1.2m

2.1m

4.4m

9.5m

Min Focus Depth of Field

0.6m

1.1m

2.2m

4.8m

FLIR Vue™ FAQs

A: Vue has a 10-pin mini-USB connector that you can use to supply the camera with 5VDC power and get its analog video signal out. This connector has the same pinout as the GoPro 3/4 cables you can find from most leading drone supply and FPV retailers, so using one of those makes integration quite easy.

First, there are two M2x0.4 threaded mounting holes the camera’s left side, right side, and bottom (note that the mounting screws are not included).

There is also a ¼-20 threaded insert in the top of the camera housing.

Finally, a lens mount can be installed to allow the camera to be mounted with GoPro-compatible mounts. See the Vue User Guide, which is available on the FLIR Vue webpage, for more details on installing this mount.

Users can take advantage of any of these mounting options to either hard-mount or gimbal-mount the Vue.

A: No. Because the optimal transmit power and frequency can vary so widely from one application to another, the choice of which type of transmitter to use has been left up to the user. The camera does output a standard analog video signal, however, and it has been successfully tested on all of the common video systems in use today.

A: At this point the FLIR Vue does not permit external control of its serial commands. However, many of the camera’s functions can be configured in the standard Tau Camera Controller GUI that is available on the Vue website ( www.flir.com/flirvue).

A: Yes, many of the cameras settings can be optimized for your current conditions by using the free Tau Camera Controller GUI that is available on the Vue website ( www.flir.com/flirvue). By connecting the camera to your compatible computer with the included Bench Cable, you will be able to access many camera settings, and view the effects of these changes in real time. (See the Vue User Guide for more details on connecting the camera to your computer.)

Many of the most vital image control and optimization settings can be changed in the GUI, including:

A: The best method for cleaning all optics are to use air whenever possible. Forced air in a spray can works well to remove the majority of dust in corners and hard to reach spots. The next best tool is a soft lens brush used to whisk away dust and debris. If you must resort to using a liquid for cleaning the optic, use only non-ammonia based cleaners. Ammonia based cleansers may damage the coatings of your optic.

A: The Vue Pro and Pro R provide Bluetooth, PWM, and MAVlink control interfaces. HDMI video is optional for the Vue Pro and Pro R. These options are not available for Tau2. The FLIRTau2 is calibrated over a wider temperature range than FLIR Vue and Vue Pro, has additional AGC’s and Color Palettes, narrow field of view lens options, and digital video data is enabled in all Tau2 models. The FLIR Vue and Vue Pro are limited to scene temperature ranges up to +135 ºC (+275 ºF) and are analog-only systems. The Pro R is calibrated to enable imaging scene temperatures up to 550 ºC. Radiometry and Advanced Radiometry are options for both Tau2 and Vue Pro R.

A: Exportable Frame Rate cameras output a video signal that doesn’t use the full 30 or 60 Hz frame rate of the camera, so it may look a little choppy during fast maneuvers. This is a restriction placed on thermal imaging technology by the US Government. While the exportable Frame Rate cameras output video that looks different, there is no inherent difference in image quality or sensitivity between the cameras. A video showing a comparison between the two types of cameras is available here.

This video was taken with two cameras mounted to a quadcopter simultaneously, to give you a realistic idea of how an Exportable camera differs from a Full Frame Rate camera when hard-mounted to a multirotor aircraft. Note that mounting an Exportable camera to a brushless gimbal greatly mitigates the apparent differences between the two.

A: Possibly, but it will take a fair amount of work. As the name implies, these gimbals are designed to work with GoPro® Hero 3® and Hero 4® cameras respectively. Even though the FLIR Vue is not significantly heavier than either the Hero 3 or Hero 4, its shape is quite a bit different. This means that the area where the Vue could sit on these gimbals is very small, and the bracket designed to hold the GoPro on the gimbal back plate won't fit around the Vue. It is possible to fashion some sort of mechanical interface that would hold the camera to the gimbal back plate, but FLIR does not supply this mechanism. Once the camera is mechanically attached to the gimbal, the other issue is that the Vue's center of gravity (CG) is significantly farther forward than is the GoPro's CG, requiring the use of a counterweight to balance the gimbal. Take care that the counterweight does not become so heavy that it stresses the gimbal motors.

A: The FLIR Vue can be very effective at seeing through smoke, allowing incident commanders to keep track pf personnel and vehicles when they would otherwise be blinded by dense smoke. It can also be used to find residual hot spots around a fire area after the fire itself has been contained. Because the maximum specified scene temperature for Vue and Vue Pro is +135 ºC (+275 ºF) the image may become saturated when viewing an active fire. The Pro R is calibrated for scene temperatures up to +550 ºC (1,022 ºF).

Export Information

General

FLIR Vue, Vue Pro, and Vue Pro R uncooled thermal imaging cameras operating at 30Hz (NTSC), or 25Hz (PAL) with a resolution of up to 640x512 are export-controlled by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Validated export licenses must be obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to export or re-export of such devices outside of the United States. FLIR employs a team of trade compliance professionals that understand the export rules and regulations, and can assist our customers with their export questions and issues. In circumstances whereby FLIR delivers a camera to a customer in the U.S. who intends to export or re-export the FLIR camera outside of the United States, whether or not the camera is integrated into another product, it is the customer’s responsibility to apply for the required export license from the appropriate department of the U.S. government. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.

Note that there are several countries to which the export of thermal imaging cameras is prohibited under any circumstances, regardless of the camera resolution or video update rate. These countries are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, Crimea – Region of Ukraine, and the Russian Industry Sector. Export policies governing the export of thermal imaging cameras are established by the U.S. government, and in order to comply with the policy requirements, FLIR in turn must ensure that its customers agree to these conditions.

Full-Rate FLIR Vue / Vue Pro / Vue Pro R Thermal Video Cameras

The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is 6A003.b.4.b for FLIR Vue, Vue Pro, and Vue Pro R cameras operating at 30Hz (NTSC), or 25Hz (PAL). Two forms are required in order for FLIR to apply to the Department of Commerce for the purpose of obtaining a validated export license for full-rate video thermal imaging cameras with 640x512 or lower resolution: a BIS-711; and FLIR’s Transaction Information form. Also refer to the FLIR Export Fact Sheet for FLIR Vue, Vue Pro, and Vue Pro R, 640 and 336. Please direct any questions or concerns regarding the export status of FLIR’s OEM products to exportquestions@flir.com.

Slow-Rate FLIR Vue / Vue Pro / Vue Pro R Thermal Video Cameras

ECCN 6A003.b.4.b (see Full-Rate Thermal Video, above) does not control imaging cameras having a maximum video update rate equal to or less than 9 Hz. The ECCN for ≤ 9Hz (slow-video) thermal cameras is 6A993. Thermal imaging cameras with video update rates ≤ 9Hz may be exported outside of the United States without an export license, except to the embargoed countries Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea – Region of Ukraine, and the Russian Industry Sector. However, under no circumstances can thermal imaging cameras be used in the design, development, production, or use of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, regardless of frame rate.

The only requirement imposed by the U.S. government is to collect certain information for cameras shipped outside the U.S. To comply with this requirement, FLIR processes a Transaction Information form for sales of slow video cameras. Also refer to the FLIR Export Fact Sheet for FLIR Vue, Vue Pro, and Vue Pro R, 640 and 336. Please direct any questions or concerns regarding the export status of FLIR’s OEM products exportquestions@flir.com.

Keeping your Vue Pro up to date

Please download the latest handset application from the appropriate web store for your platform. Some handy links are listed below. Also be sure to keep the OS up to date on your device as Bluetooth is an evolving protocol and receiving continuous improvements.

Vue Pro Firmware Upgrade Procedure

Connect to the Vue Pro with the Bluetooth application and make note of all your settings. The firmware upgrade will reset the camera settings to defaults since we typically are adding features and the previous settings may not be optimal for your application.

Download the firmware upgrade archive to your computer and unzip the Vue_Pro_I_V#.#.#.ITM file. Load this file onto the camera micro SD card either by connecting your Vue Pro to the computer with the included Bench cable, or through another suitable micro SD card reader.

Open the Vue Pro app and connect to the camera. The app will read the camera’s settings, then display the Firmware update message. Select “Yes.” The Bluetooth light will flash purple for 30-45 seconds while it’s updating, then the camera will re-boot. During this time, you’ll see the Bluetooth disconnect message.

Once rebooted, reconnect your handset to the camera by selecting ‘Yes’ from the Bluetooth Disconnect dialogue. The camera should reconnect and present you with the Main screen. If you previously selected ‘No’ in this dialogue you will need to force quit and restart the APP on your handset.

Select the Advanced button in the lower left of the screen, then the About tab, and finally ‘Reset to Factory Defaults’ button. A warning box will be presented, please select ‘Yes’. All the files on the micro SD card will be preserved, only the flash memory on the VuePro camera will be reset. This will ensure proper operation of the camera with the new firmware.

Note: This Vue Pro firmware update requires the following APP versions for full functionality:

Android APP version ≥ 0.1.81
iOS APP version ≥ 1.4

Changed name of APP from FLIR Vue Pro to FLIR UAS

Added a device selection menu for choosing between multiple cameras

Restored 8-bit JPEG image capture for Vue Pro / R

Renamed most still and video files to clarify 8-/14-bit

Improved menus and user interface

Improvements to Bluetooth connection and stability

Updates for iOS 10 compatibility

Buy FLIR Vue, FLIR Vue Pro and FLIR Vue Pro R

Designed for professional use, FLIR Vue Pro is more than a thermal camera, it is a thermal measurement instrument and data recorder that adds tremendous value to your sUAS operations and services.Still with the same industry-leading thermal imaging quality and great value as the best-selling FLIR Vue, the Vue Pro adds full data recording of thermal video and 14-bit still imagery. FLIR Vue Pro also uses FLIR Vue's popular and convenient power-in/video-out connection over a 10-pin mini-USB making integration a snap, and ensuring that you'll have easy access to analog video for downlinking.